Team chef "showing off" as the Geordies embrace culture of nation that now provides 41% of their squad PLUS Xisco (remember him?) finally leaves

Alan Pardew allowed a Tricolour to be flown at the Newcastle training ground on Thursday - and fresh scallops were served up during a French-themed day to welcome United's five new signings from across the Channel.

But Pardew revealed his new boys, including Mathieu Debuchy, Moussa Sissoko and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa ended up as Les Miserables after losing out in a France versus the Rest of the World training ground match.

Owner Mike Ashley helicoptered in on deadline day to greet his new buys and assure the club none of the "crown jewel" players would be sold off.

He said: "The chef is just showing off really, we've had scallops and everything! If we have dodgy bellies tomorrow he's going to get it!

"No, it's important to understand the culture and when you have such a big percentage of your squad - 41 per cent - French.

"We actually had the French versus the Rest of the World, which was an interesting game. They got Les Miserables today - they got murdered. But they looked a little bit tired from the other night, they will want a bit of revenge.

"It's important they integrate into the club very quickly. Nothing integrates better than a win, trust me."

On Ashley's flying visit he explained: "He just wanted to see the new players. It was deadline day, that was just coincidence. It's not like we were flying someone in or flying someone out.

"I don't think Mike speaks French, but he said hello. They all came to see him and he asked them a couple of questions and they asked him a couple of questions.

"Mike is a personable person, he's a good communicator. He has to be in the business he's in. It is always welcoming to have him here.

"He has backed me, absolutely. There is no getting away from he results we've had this year have not been good enough for this club. I think we all appreciate we did need to strengthen and fortunately for myself it gives me an opportunity to turn the situation around.

"He has been very very supportive. In fact as a chairman he is the best I've had in the acknowledgement of the role you're doing."

X player: Toon flop Xisco leaves at last

Getty

Glory days: Xisco last played for Newcastle in this 2010 win over Villa

Newcastle misfit Xisco has ended his miserable four-and-a-half year stay on Tyneside and joined Spanish side Cordoba after having his contract terminated by mutual consent.

The Spanish striker joined the Magpies from Deportivo La Coruna in 2008 in a deal worth in the region of £7million.

However, he made only nine first team appearances and spent spells on loan at Rayo Vallecano and former club Deportivo.

Xisco last played for Newcastle at the start of the 2010-11 season, when he made two brief substitute appearances.